How To Start an Indiana LLC

Name Your Indiana LLC

You will also have to pick the name of the company to add in your article. Names should be in conformance with state name rules. This is a list of all Indiana name requirements.

• The name of your LLC must contain the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.”
• It can also have the designators “LLC,” “LC,” “L.C.,” or “ltd.”
• The name of your LLC cannot be the same as any other business entity name already on file with the state of Indiana.
• It also cannot be too similar to any other company name in the state that it might cause confusion.
• You can reserve a name for your LLC by filing an Application for Name Reservation with the Indiana Secretary of State.

The name you choose for your LLC will be its legal identity. It’s how people will recognize and remember your business, so pick something short, catchy, and easy to spell. Once you have chosen a name for your LLC, you can check to see if it’s available by searching the Indiana business entity database.

The state business services division has put together a site called In]Biz which you can use to search for your business entity name and determine if it’s available.

https://bsd.sos.in.gov/publicbusinesssearch

This can be used to search for an Indiana Limited Liability Company and make sure there aren’t other LLC owners who have registered with this name.

Choose your registered agent

Indiana requires that you appoint an LLC registrar. A registered agent is an individual who has been authorized to serve as an agent for your LLC. A registered agent is a person or company offering the service of a registered agent.

They must also meet certain conditions (see below):

• The individual or business you choose must have a physical address in the state of Indiana.
• They will be responsible for receiving and sending important legal documents on your behalf.
• Your registered agent will also be listed on public record, so anyone can find out their contact information.
• You may appoint yourself as the registered agent for your LLC.
• If you are not a resident of Indiana, you must appoint a registered agent who is.

You can find a list of registered agents in Indiana here: https://www.sos.in.gov/business/be-a-corporate-agent/find-a-registered-agent

If you’re looking for an Indiana registered agent, you can also use the services that we recommend. The most ideal solution is using Northwest Registered Agent who is our go to LLC formation partner and you’ll love working with them.

They can help make sure your business entity report is filed correctly and that your Indiana LLC is not just filed correctly but done quickly.

Prepare and File Articles of Organization

Articles of Organization are documents that officially establish your LLC with basic information. Prepare organizational documents for the state’s Business Administration.

Although it seems like a major job, it simply consists of completing one fairly easy online form to submit to us. This can be sent via email. When you submit an article, the state will review the document. Once the article has been approved, a LLC becomes a legal business.

You will need the following information when filing your Articles of Organization:

• The name and address of your LLC
• The names and addresses of the members of your LLC
• The name and address of your registered agent
• The duration of your LLC (if it’s not perpetual)
• The purpose of your LLC
• Whether or not your LLC will have managers
• The name and address of each manager, if applicable

The Articles of Organization must be signed by all the members of your LLC.

There is a $100 filing fee to submit the Articles of Organization to the state.

You can file online, by mail, or in person.

Your business name must match what you’ve put into the LLC filing documents so make sure the LLC’s formation matches the name.

This is going to also be important for the business structure you choose and whether you’re using your own registered agent or if you found a service to help you.

Create an operating agreement

The Operating Agreement describes the way in which the LLC conducts its activities. In Indiana, LLCs are required to file operating documents, but this is extremely important in the success of a company.

A clearly defined written operating agreement can be useful for different purposes such as the resolution of disputes involving financial arrangements or other potential litigation.

Without agreements, courts make decisions on a state basis, and not necessarily what will best benefit a business entity’s members and their interests. Among the options in a business agreement are:

• The rights and responsibilities of each member
• What the business purpose of the LLC is
• How the LLC will be managed
• Who will have authority to sign contracts on behalf of the LLC
• Procedures for admitting new members
• Buy-sell provisions in case a member dies or leaves the LLC
• Provisions for dissolving the LLC

You don’t have to file your operating agreement with the state, but it’s a good idea to keep it in your company records.

You are going to have some kind of issue down the road so it’s better that you put your physical street address and how you’re conducting business.

You’ll need to separate your business assets and personal assets to make sure you have the right business structure to make your LLC operating agreement as iron clad as possible.

Get an EIN

Every LLC must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN), even if you don’t have any employees. You can apply for an EIN online, by mail, or by fax. It’s free to get an EIN.

You’ll use your EIN to open a business bank account and file your business taxes. You may need it to apply for business licenses as well.

To apply for an EIN, you’ll need the following information:

• The name, address, and Social Security number of the LLC’s responsible party
• The LLC’s business structure
• The state where the LLC is formed
• Whether the LLC will have employees

You can apply for an EIN online if you have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), which can be either a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

You should receive your EIN immediately after applying online. If you apply by mail or fax, it will take about four weeks to receive your EIN. It’s very simple to do this. I’ve done this a few times for and the federal tax identification number is the most important because it allows you to open a business checking account and a business credit card.

If you’re planning on conducting business, it will be important to have the right business name, tax structure, registered agent service and file it correctly with the Indiana secretary who is going to make sure you have the right business entity report filed.

FAQs

Do I business insurance for my Indiana LLC?

Every business, no matter the size, should have some form of business insurance. While LLCs have personal liability protection, there are still risks associated with running a business.

Business insurance can protect your LLC from lawsuits, property damage, and other losses. It’s a good idea to speak with an insurance agent to find out what type of coverage is right for your business.

Do I need a business permit or license to operate my Indiana LLC?

You may need a business permit or license to operate your LLC, depending on the type of business you’re starting and the regulations in your city or county.

It’s a good idea to check with your local chamber of commerce or city hall to find out what permits and licenses you need to operate your business.

How do I file taxes for my Indiana LLC?

You’ll need to file taxes for your LLC on a federal and state level. The IRS requires all LLCs to file an annual tax return, even if the LLC doesn’t have any income.

You’ll need to file a state tax return if your LLC has any income from Indiana sources. You may also be required to pay taxes on the personal income of LLC members if the LLC is not taxed as a separate entity. You’ll want to make sure that the Internal Revenue Service knows you’ve setup your business in the right way so do it right from the start!

It’s a good idea to speak with an accountant or tax advisor to find out what tax obligations your LLC will have.

How do I dissolve my Indiana LLC?

To dissolve your LLC, you’ll need to file a Certificate of Dissolution with the Indiana Secretary of State. You must include the following information in your dissolution:

• The name of your LLC
• The date of dissolution
• The reason for dissolution
• The signature of a authorized person

You may also need to notify other government agencies, such as the IRS, of your LLC’s dissolution. Once your LLC is dissolved, you’ll no longer be able to conduct business in Indiana.

It’s a good idea to speak with an attorney or accountant to find out what else you need to do to dissolve your LLC.

How much does it cost to start an Indiana LLC?

The filing fee for starting an LLC in Indiana is $90. You may also need to pay a publication fee of $35-$60, depending on the county where you’re forming your LLC.

You may also need to hire a professional service, such as an attorney or registered agent service, to help you start your LLC. The cost of these services can vary depending on the provider.

It’s a good idea to get quotes from several providers before choosing one. You can also check with your local chamber of commerce or city hall to see if they offer any discounts on LLC formation fees.

How do I change the name of my Indiana LLC?

To change the name of your LLC, you’ll need to file an Amended Certificate of Formation with the Indiana Secretary of State. You must include the following information in your amendment:

• The name of your LLC
• The new name of your LLC
• The signature of a authorized person

You may also need to notify other government agencies, such as the IRS, of your LLC’s name change. Once your LLC’s name is changed, you’ll need to use the new name for all business transactions.

It’s a good idea to speak with an attorney or accountant to find out what else you need to do to change your LLC’s name.

How do I add members to my Indiana LLC?

To add members to your LLC, you’ll need to file an Amended Certificate of Formation with the Indiana Secretary of State. You must include the following information in your amendment:

• The name of your LLC
• The names and addresses of the new members
• The signature of a authorized person

You may also need to notify other government agencies, such as the IRS, of your LLC’s new members. Once your LLC has new members, you’ll need to update your operating agreement and file it with the state.

It’s a good idea to speak with an attorney or accountant to find out what else you need to do to add members to your LLC.

How do I remove members from my Indiana LLC?

To remove members from your LLC, you’ll need to file an Amended Certificate of Formation with the Indiana Secretary of State. You must include the following information in your amendment:

• The name of your LLC
• The names and addresses of the members to be removed
• The signature of a authorized person

You may also need to notify other government agencies, such as the IRS, of your LLC’s change in members. Once your LLC has removed members, you’ll need to update your operating agreement and file it with the state.

It’s a good idea to speak with an attorney or accountant to find out what else you need to do to remove members from your LLC.

What type of business bank account do I need?

You’ll need to open a business bank account for your LLC. This will help you keep your personal and business finances separate. You can open a business bank account at most banks and credit unions. When you’re opening the account, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• The name of your LLC
• The names of the members
• The registered agent’s name and address
• The EIN number

You may also need to provide a copy of your LLC’s formation documents. Once you’ve opened the account, you’ll be able to deposit money, write checks, and make other transactions.

I recommend that you setup a Novo.co business checking account because it’s just so easy! They are not technically the bank but they make it so easy to work with during regular business hours. As long as you have your Federal Employer Identification Number, you will be fine.